He also went after Democrats for their apparent flip-flop in support for Comey, whose decision to announce the re-opening of an investigation of Hillary Clinton in the last days of the 2016 campaign was met with sharp criticism by the left.

Democrats "have said some of the worst things about James Comey, including the fact that he should be fired, but now they play so sad!" the president tweeted.

The Democrats have said some of the worst things about James Comey, including the fact that he should be fired, but now they play so sad!

Late Tuesday, Trump chided Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a fellow New Yorker, for comments the Democrat made about the stunning dismissal.

Trump had telephoned Schumer earlier to inform him of the decision. Schumer said he told Trump that "you are making a big mistake." Schumer also questioned why the firing occurred on Tuesday and wondered whether investigations into the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia were "getting too close for the president." He said unless a special prosecutor is named, Americans could rightfully wonder whether the move was "part of a cover-up."

Trump fired back with a tweet exclaiming: "Cryin' Chuck Schumer stated recently, 'I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer.' Then acts so indignant."

Cryin' Chuck Schumer stated recently, "I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer." Then acts so indignant. #draintheswamp